Patrick Beverley named to NBA All-Defensive First Team

Patrick Beverley has been an outstanding defensive player for years, but he was finally honored for that skill on Monday.

Beverley was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, joining Draymond Green, Rudy Gobert, Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul as First Team honorees.

The Rockets guard made the Second Team in 2013-14 but has never made the first team until now. He becomes the fourth player in Rockets history to earn the honor — the first since Scottie Pippen in 1998-99.

The funny part about it is what Russell Westbrook said about Beverley during their first round series this season.

“Oh yeah, he was talking about how he was first-team all-defense, but I didn’t know what he was talking about because I had 42 at the time in the series,” said Westbrook. “I don’t know what he was talking about. Maybe he was dreaming or some (expletive). I don’t know. Sorry, excuse my cuss word. I don’t know what he was talking about, but I guess he wanted to be first-team all-defense or something. Maybe he was dreaming about it. I don’t know.”

Beverley averaged 5.9 rebounds (career high) and 1.48 steals. He became the seventh different player in NBA history listed 6-foot-1 or shorter to average at least 5.5 rpg in a single season.

Beverley has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason as we head towards free agency starting on July 1. Ironically, the guy rumored to replace him is Chris Paul, who also made the All-Defensive First Team.